Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Deschutes National Forest

Points of Interest

Lava River Cave Day Use

Deschutes National Forest - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District

The scarcity and spaciousness of Central Oregon's Lava Lands create an area of striking beauty both above and below ground. Large areas are covered by lava flows. These rivers of rock are basalt, a molten lava that spreads quickly and sometimes flowed up to seventy miles. Great tunnels wind through many of these flows and suggest that awesome forces of nature were once at work. These ancient lava tunnels (called tubes) are one of the area's most interesting secrets.

Lava River Cave is one example of these ancient lava tunnels. The cave is part of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The cave temperature is a constant 42 degrees, so wear warm clothing. The one mile cave is one of the longest lava tubes in Oregon.

Spring: May 8 -June 30; Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm

Summer: July 1-September 7; 7 days a week, 9:00 am -5:00 pm

• Visitors or schools enquiring about access to the Cave should contact the Lava Lands Visitor Center at 541-593-2421 for the most current information.

Fall: September 8 - October 15; Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm

Lava River Cave - will open Friday, May 8th. Lava River Cave offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to tour the entire cave.

Lantern rentals are available for $4. There are restrictions on personal lanterns, NO glass globe, white gas, or kerosene lanterns are allowed (our lanterns have special screen mesh globes, so no broken glass). No lantern rentals after 4:00 pm.

Lava River Cave Trivia

Commonly Asked Questions about Lava River Cave

Lava River Cave Geologic Site

LOCATION: off Hwy. 97 at Lava River Cave in Newberry National Volcanic Monument - C on location map

ACCESS: from Bend, 12.5 miles south on Hwy. 97 (1 mile south of Lava Lands Visitor Center)

ELEVATION: 4500 feet

FACILITIES: vault toilets

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES: lantern rental, Lava River Cave Trail

OPERATED BY: Forest Service

FEE: Recreation Pass Site - Vehicle Permit - $5.00 Day Pass or $30.00 Annual Pass or other valid Recreation Passes         Lantern Rentals cost $3.00 each.